RALEIGH, NC — When the NC State football program landed the talented class of 2018, everyone, including the players themselves, knew that it would be something special. Usually though, it takes a season or two for these young players to move on up along the depth chart and see significant playing time.
After week two of the 2018 season, not only have we seen several of these new faces in action, but we have already seen them be major player-makers and important contributors to the team. Running back Trent Pennix has stepped into an important and unexpected role this season and can be an important playmaker for the Wolfpack through the rest of the 2018 campaign if he continues to grow the way he has thus far.
Pennix received a lot of attention during his recruitment and was expected to be a big part of recreating the depth at running back. However, due to him missing out on a lot of important camp playing time, the newcomer was not listed on the depth chart come Week 1. This did not stop Pennix from wanting to prove himself.
After true freshman Tyler-Baker Williams (number three in the rotation) had a slip up in the first drive of the James Madison game, Doeren threw Pennix into the mix. While Trent only saw three snaps and ran for one yard against JMU, he was officially added into the rotation in Week 2.
Last Saturday against Georgia State, Pennix saw the second most snaps of the running backs [24 total] with Ricky Person being out due to injury. He finished the game as a key contributor for the Wolfpack, scoring his first career touchdown and making an impact in both the running and the passing game. He recorded 28 yards on 9 carries in addition to 3 receptions over 66 yards.
Coach Doeren spoke highly of Trent’s significant growth between Weeks 1 and 2.
“I just thought there was a lot of improvement from his first game to his second game and I think in the run game, as a running back, reps are a big deal. And all the things that happen in front of your face, the faster you do it, the more you do it, the slower that picture gets. He missed a lot of camp and so getting him in the first game you could tell it was fast for him. And in practice when he first started fall camp he wasn’t nervous, he looked really comfortable and you could see that again on Saturday where he just looked comfortable.”
(Photo: Nick Faulkner/Technician)
When asked about his performance against Georgia State, Pennix was quick to admit that he was nervous before taking the field but knew he had a job to complete.
“It got the jitters in me," said Pennix. “I was a little bit nervous because Coach said you’re going to be getting a lot of burn this game so be prepared. Do what your coaches tell you to do pretty much. I don’t let anything else distract me from what I am trying to do so I just go out and do my job and have fun.”
Prior to the West Virginia game being cancelled, Pennix moved up yet again on the depth chart. He was listed as number two on Monday. While Ricky Person being out plays a role in Trent's playing time, there is no denying it is also still a product of his performance. This is just the beginning for Trent Pennix and Doeren continues to have high expectations for the young back.
"It's just that in Week 1, he was nervous, Week 2 he wasn’t and Week 3 he will be continuing to build on the assignment aspect of things," Doeren said. "His tracks in the run game, being a little more detailed."
Wolfpack fans can expect to see continued development in the running and passing game from Pennix. He will be a key asset in rebuilding the depth in the backfield for NC State. Trent is ready for the responsibility in front of him and keeps a confident, winning mindset as he continues to work his way up the ladder as a team contributor.
"The difference from high school talent to college talent," stated Pennix. "No matter what team it is they always have great players. You always have to be prepared, you can’t underestimate each team for their size or what you see on stats. You have to go in the game with a physical mindset that you are going to win the game every week.
LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/NC-State-determined-to-feed-off-the-doubt-during-10-1-start-126679340